Sweet, Sweet Memory

by Jacqueline Woodson, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

A child and her grandmother feel sad when Grandpa dies, but as time passes, funny memories of him make them laugh and feel better.

Genres: Picture Books, Death, Family, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Grief, African American

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

I used to say I’d be a teacher or a lawyer or a hairdresser when I grew up but even as I said these things, I knew what made me happiest was writing.

I wrote on everything and everywhere. I remember my uncle catching me writing my name in graffiti on the side of a building. (It was not pretty for me when my mother found out.) I wrote on paper bags and my shoes and denim binders. I chalked stories across sidewalks and penciled tiny tales in notebook margins. I loved and still love watching words flower into sentences and sentences blossom into stories.

I also told a lot of stories as a child. Not “Once upon a time” stories but basically, outright lies. I loved lying and getting away with it! There was something about telling the lie-story and seeing your friends’ eyes grow wide with wonder. Of course I got in trouble for lying but I didn’t stop until fifth grade.

That year, I wrote a story and my teacher said “This is really good.” Before that I had written a poem about Martin Luther King that was, I guess, so good no one believed I wrote it. After lots of brouhaha, it was believed finally that I had indeed penned the poem which went on to win me a Scrabble game and local acclaim. So by the time the story rolled around and the words “This is really good” came out of the otherwise down-turned lips of my fifth grade teacher, I was well on my way to understanding that a lie on the page was a whole different animal — one that won you prizes and got surly teachers to smile. A lie on the page meant lots of independent time to create your stories and the freedom to sit hunched over the pages of your notebook without people thinking you were strange.

Lots and lots of books later, I am still surprised when I walk into a bookstore and see my name on a book’s binder. Sometimes, when I’m sitting at my desk for long hours and nothing’s coming to me, I remember my fifth grade teacher, the way her eyes lit up when she said “This is really good.” The way, I — the skinny girl in the back of the classroom who was always getting into trouble for talking or missed homework assignments — sat up a little straighter, folded my hands on the desks, smiled and began to believe in me.

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
In this story, Jacqueline Woodson again writes about a topic that is a reality in our lives: the death of a loved one. Here, a young girl, Sarah, faces the truth and pain of losing her grandfather with whom she has built a very strong connection and bond. Together they had planted and worked in their garden, and once explained, "like us, a part of [the Earth:] next dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on." Although Sarah experiences the sadness and pain of his death, she shares her memories and feeling with her grandmother, as they grieve together, sewing quilts and harvesting the vegetables from the grandfather's garden. The words, "everyone goes on and on" is a message to readers to accept the reality of death, but live in the memories of this loved on forever and ever and you share your grieving with others.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah and her grandma cope with the death of grandpa by recalling his stories, his words, and remembering that everything goes on and on.

With deep, warm colors and strokes of a paint brush, the illustrations capture a wide range of expressions, emotions, and energy.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is a great way to teach children about grieving the death of a loved one. In this specific story, a young girl grieves the death of her grandfather. Unfortunately, death is something most children experience with friends or family before adulthood. The story does a great job of demonstrating how the main character over comes the tragedy of her grandfather's passing. It lets the reader know that it is ok to be sad given the circumstances, however the good memories of these loved ones last for a lifetime.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that can be used to help families cope with the loss of a loved one. Throughout this story, Sarah and her grandmother strive to remember happy thoughts about her departed grandfather.

[Tyne Mather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah’s grandfather was a gardener. When he dies, he leaves behind his beliefs about the world and a harvest to help her remember him and know that the circle of life goes on and on.

[Jason Brinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Woodson's Sweet, Sweet Memory is a children's fiction picture book about a young girl who is facing life for the first time without her grandfather. The story begins with the child dressing, putting on a white dress with angel sleeves that her grandmother has made for her. This little African American girl is having to comb her own hair for the first time because her grandmother is getting ready for a funeral, because her grandfather has passed away. This child is being raised by her grandparents, and the love and the lessons they have given her are truly food for the soul. This is without a doubt one of Woodson's best works. Her rich and poetic-style text, coupled with the intimate and heavenly muted chalk colored illustrations of Floyd Cooper, combine to make the story authentic and real to the reader. The story tells of that day the girl's grandfather is buried and her sweet memories looking back to those precious days that they spent together. The author's use of figurative language throughout the book is completely captivating and is so touching and heartwarming; e.g., the memory when her Grandpa says of his garden: "Like us it lives, it grows. Like us a part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on." The themes of this story are about hope and love, both of which, the story holds will continue to go on. This is, without a doubt, one of the most lovely stories ever written about family. The flow of the memories portrayed are so rich and everlasting, as is this story's appeal.
Teachers can incorporate Sweet, Sweet Memory into a literacy lesson to help children write about feelings of loss; whether it be a family member, a friend who has moved, or the loss of a pet. Teachers can initiate a discussion and then have students write about the book’s themes and some of the grandfather’s quotes, expressing their understanding of how a part of us never dies and continues to live through others. Because of the topic of death, this Jacqueline Woodson book would be better enjoyed by students in second- through sixth-grades.

[Amber Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bibliotherapy book that helps children understand death and is age appropriate for kindergarteners through third graders. Sarah is struggling with the reality of her deceased grandpa and remembers things that her grandfather said to her. Her grandpa said that the earth lives and it grows and “a part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on.” I thought this was a very important point because people are remembered through their loved ones so it is true that people do not die or are forgotten. Sarah’s grandma is going to use the Grandpa’s vegetables from his garden to make a meal and to remember his memory. The story ends with Sarah beginning to move on because she has the stories and memories of her grandpa that will always be with her.

Activities
1. Either as a class or individually with older students, I would have students create a web where they put Sarah’s name in the middle. They must draw five connecting lines and think of five adjectives that describe Sarah or how she was feeling. The students would then turn to their shoulder partner and explain their words and why they choose them.
2. Students will write a journal entry about the central theme of the book which is about memories and how they help us get through hard times. Encourage students to share experiences if they have lost a loved one and what helped them through that hard time as well as the memories they have about that person. If the students do not have someone to write about, they could write about a pet or a friend that has moved away.

[JoAnna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very well-written book is about Sarah who has lost her grandfather. She is trying to come up with a story to share with everybody at the funeral but is stumpted. Until she is reminded of the one saying her grandfather always said, "Everything and everyone goes on and on." This helps her to share her own sweet memories with everybody. Throughout the entire book, she is reminded of her grandfather's saying. This helps her and her grandmother to cope with the death and move on. But, to move on with sweet memories of her grandfather always around her. I really enjoyed this book, I could use it when talking about death in the classroom. Or recommend it to somebody that is having hard time coping with a death. It really does open your eyes to see the positive in things and not just the negative!

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe that I would grant this book two and a half stars.
Jacqueline Woodson is masterful in her way of dealing with the grief of children after the fact, gently letting the reader into the world of her characters without making the sadness too sharp for her young picture-book readers to remain comfortable.
The illustrations of Floyd Cooper match the tone of the story perfectly, complementing the cadence of Jacqueline Woodson's words and letting the story shine for all that it is.

"The earth changes, Grandpa said, as he planted his garden. Like us it lives, it grows. Like us, Grandpa said, holding the rich brown earth in his hand, a part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on."

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like so many of us, Sarah struggles with the loss of her beloved grandfather, and when the family gathers to share their memories of him, at first she finds it hard to share her own. But when the others talk about the times they spent planting crops in the garden with him, they are reminded of his firm belief that "everything and everyone goes on and on" (unpaginated). Months pass, and the family enjoys the fruits of his labors--the harvest of the seeds he planted and crops he tended. This picture book is filled with hope while also recognizing that pain and loss are inevitable parts of life. The rich, color-drenched illustrations evoke feelings of sorrow, loss, and joy.

[Kara Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now that Grandpa's gone, Sarah tries to remember what he used to say about the garden. Like us , he would tell her, a part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on. But Sarah feels very sad, even though Grandma and all the relatives are with her, sharing stories and hugs. How can life go on without Grandpa? As summer slips into fall, Grandma and Sarah share a rich garden harvest-and their sweet, sweet memories of Grandpa. The stories and memories of loved ones, Sarah learns, are what keep everything and everyone going on and on. This spare and beautiful picture book balances sadness and mourning with the comforting notion of the continuity of all life.

[Julie Graham 47150 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very touching story about a girl, named Sarah, whose grandfather has died. She tries to remember what he used to say about the garden. "Like us, a part of it never dies," he would say. "Everything and everyone goes on and on." As the family shares their memories of him, Sarah wonders how she will go on without her grandfather.
This story reminds me of Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." It is her grandfather's love and her love for him that will go on and on. I loved this story! I'm not surprised. It was written by Jacqueline Woodson.

[Kelly Tessitore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Sweet Memory is a book about a young girl raised by her grandparents, but her grandfather has just died. Woodson addresses this serious topic by showing how to celebrate life and focus on the good memories people leave you with. The illustrations are very unique. They are beautiful but blurry as if the pictures are symbolizing the fuzzy memories people have of her grandfather. Woodson also delves into the importance of listening to the people and animals around you and appreciating nature. A very beautiful book, words and illustrations.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, Sweet Memory is a bibliotherapy book. It focuses on the life of Sarah's grandfather who has recently passed away. Grandpa's favorite saying was, "Everything and everyone goes on and on." An activity to consider; have the students write an essay on someone who is special and memorable to them. Secondly, take the phrase "Everything and everyone goes on and on;" have the students sequence the seasons of the year providing facts & illustrations about one specific season.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma and granddaughter find a way to cope with the loss of the grandfather by remembering the stories he told and the lessons he taught about loving the land and recognizing our roll in it. It takes the intervention of extended family for the granddaughter to realize that the lessons she learned were the same lessons that her grandfather had been teaching people for generations in her family. A really nicely done book about coping with loss.

[Hailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a story of a little girl coping with her grandmother that just passed away. It tells about how to keep the memories of loved ones around even after they leave earth.
I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book because they are all grainy and may be water color. I didn't like the actual book because I think it made death a simple thing and not a big deal, which it is.
I would probably not have this in my classroom because it is a book for older kids because it talks about death.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story to help a child who might be coping with the death of a loved one. It shows a young girl's experience with her grandfather's death and how she and her family learn to move on while keeping his memory alive. While a good book, not very good for a story time because it's too focused to work well for a group.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me in a very personal way because of the story line. It is about a young girl who is dedicated because she was very close to her grandfather who recently passed away. This is probably not a book to read to a class during leisure time because it's a complicated subject matter for young children.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is heart-broken when her grandpa dies. Yet she and her relatives find comfort in her grandfather's words that "everything and everyone goes on and on". A touching, comforting story of death, remembrance, and celebrating the life of someone special who moved on.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not very live or imaginative book. It is a very serious book about death and mourning.It shows a different approach to dealing with death and how to look on the brighter side. The ending leaves you feeling optimistic.

[Sally Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought tears to my eyes. It's about a little girl who has lost her grandpa. Her family shares their memories of him and she realizes they shared many of the same memories. Her grandpa loved to garden and would say "Watch the world" "Watch the way it grows". I loved it!!

[Denesha Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to read to students that may be experiencing the lost of a loved one. The main charcter in the story lost her grandfather and she used memories to rememeber the wonderful times they shared. This book is an excellent read aloud for upper elementary school.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah, around 6 or 7 years old, misses her grandpa who's passed away. But then living with her grandma and relatives, they reminisce about him and the things that he'd say, and then they don't miss him anymore. Their memories of him give them solace.

Good for all ages.

[Kenson and kirra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was kindof sad. i don't like to think about my papa or my nana dying. my little sister really liked the white dress the nana made for the little girl. she said that she wanted one. -- (age 3 & 5)

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Ms. Woodson's books quite a bit. Pleasant reading, good stories and something to take away.

2/13/26- Just read this new edition. Jacqueline Woodson is an exceptional writer and Tonya Engel's illustrations are beautiful.

[Kayce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little girl who loses her grandfather and is struggling with how to share her feelings at his funeral. Probably wouldn't work for a primary classroom, a little too poetic? Can't put my finger on it.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and sweet. A little girl remembers her grandfather on the day of his memorial service. Gentle, comforting illustrations and a powerful reminder that those we love never really leave us.

[Shauntae Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

a story about death, living on and remembering those who are gone.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical, loving picture book about the death of a loved one, from an esteemed author and illustrator.

[Alex Kartak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, Sweet Memory starts off with a granddaughter who is getting ready for her Grandpa's funeral or it may even just be a family get-together to reminiscence the grandfather. Her Grandpa loved his farm and the two always hung out on the farm before his passing. At this family get-together, the relatives are all telling one memory about Grandpa, and the granddaughter is very shy at this moment and whispers, "everything and everyone goes on and on." The relatives all comment how grandpa said this to them on the farm as well. Everyone leaves Grandma and the granddaughter and life goes on and on as the days became longer.
I really liked this book, but for me, it was actually pretty difficult to understand. I liked this book because the message was very interesting; The message seems pretty dark, but at the same time very fluffy. Dark because the granddaughter didn't seem too saddened by the passing, yet fluffy by the family sharing a moment together of all remembering how much they loved Grandpa. I don't think dark is the correct word, but like the granddaughter didn't speak right away about the memory because all she thought was life was still going to progress even the grandpa had passed.
In a classroom, I don't think I would put this on the shelf, but I would still read it to the class. I don't think I would put this book on the shelf because I don't think the elementary year-old kids will fully understand the content of this book. This book gave me a little confusion, so I think it would also give the kids confusion. But, I would love to see the look in the kids eyes once they "connect-the-dots". Once I connected the dots, the book was very emotional and made a lot more sense.